The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
RAYAGADA, FEBRUARY 17, 2025
In a significant move to enhance early childhood care and education in Odisha’s Rayagada district, the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the philanthropic arm of Vedanta, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the district administration to upgrade 100 Anganwadi centres into modern “Nand Ghars.” This initiative aims to support the holistic development of women and children through improved infrastructure and services.
The MoU-signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Parul Patawari, Collector and District Magistrate, Rayagada, and Minati Deo, District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO). Under the agreement, the initiative will commence with the transformation of 15 Anganwadi centres in Kashipur block during the first phase, followed by the upgradation of the remaining 85 centres across other blocks in a phased manner.
Expressing appreciation for Vedanta’s contribution, Rayagada DSWO Minati Deo said, “We welcome Vedanta’s support in transforming Anganwadi centres in the district. The Nand Ghar initiative is not just about creating learning centres, but also about fostering safe spaces that ensure the holistic well-being of children and women. This MoU marks a significant step toward our shared goal of community empowerment.”
Reaffirming the company’s commitment to grassroots development, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer (CEO), Vedanta Aluminium, said, “We are dedicated to community development, which is rooted in Vedanta’s core values of creating a positive and lasting impact in and around the regions where we operate.” He further highlighted, “Vedanta’s flagship social impact project ‘Nand Ghar’ plays a crucial role in empowering women while strengthening the foundation of early childhood education. We are proud to collaborate with the Rayagada district authorities to build a brighter future for the next generation.”
The ‘Nand Ghar’ initiative, launched in 2015 under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India, provides comprehensive community welfare services. These include pre-school education for children under six years, nutritious meals and take-home rations for pregnant and lactating women, improved healthcare access through auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), and skill development programs for women.
Currently, around 500 Nand Ghars are operational in Odisha, positively impacting over 18,000 children and 5,000 women across eight districts. These centres are equipped with solar lights, water purifiers, toilets, BALA paintings, and nutrition gardens, ensuring a conducive learning and development environment.
